New modular open rack system increases storage capacity by 30%
Storing – and then finding – tens of thousands of small items is an ongoing challenge for hospitals around New Zealand. In fact, studies show that nurses spend at least 5-20% of their time retrieving supplies.
But Palmerston North’s anaesthetic technicians and nurses now have incredibly easy access to whatever theatre items they need after a new modular ISO 60-40 open rack system was installed in their anaesthetic storage room.
Mid Central Charge Anaesthetic Technician Kevin Saunders says the changing area for surgeons and theatre staff has recently been reconfigured, which then impacted the layout of the storeroom next door. This created an opportunity to look at how the space was managed and a decision was made to replace the old cupboards and fixed shelving which was no longer fit for purpose.
"This new system gives us greater options on how much stock we carry and the ability to move things so it makes more sense to the way we work."
“We didn’t have enough storage space and there was no flexibility,” Kevin explains. “We couldn’t adjust any shelves. This new system gives us greater options on how much stock we carry and the ability to move things so it makes more sense to the way we work.”
Fourteen mobile racks featuring over 100 colour-coded baskets have now been installed to maximise storage and floor space. Each basket can be permanently angled or stored horizontally and tilted while in use, and can hold between 5kg and 40kg depending on the type of rail chosen (angled, horizontal/tilt or telescopic) and the desired tilt function.
Anaesthetic theatre equipment is now stored and colour-coded according to use – red for endotracheal tubes, green for laryngeal masks, blue for regional items such as spinal needles, and yellow for miscellaneous items.
“We have different items for different surgeries, and all different sizes. Now people can scan down the baskets and quickly find what they are looking for without having to scour the whole storeroom. In the past we didn’t have a clear colour-coding or demarcation system so it was quite problematic for new staff or anyone who wasn’t familiar with the layout.”
The new modular units have increased storage capacity by at least 30 percent, Kevin says. “The nursing staff used to go to three different areas. Now we’ve managed to bring everything into one area. It’s like ‘wow, this is awesome’. We’ve never had everything in the one room before so it’s so much easier.”
Re-ordering and re-stocking are also more efficient. Staff can simply scan a barcode on the front of each basket if stock needs to be replenished, and the new system makes it easier and faster to unpack new supplies when they arrive.
Kevin was impressed at Cubro’s fast turnaround, and the fact that everything arrived already assembled, ready to be wheeled into place.
"Now people can scan down the baskets and quickly find what they are looking for without having to scour the whole storeroom"
Pull out modules and smooth surfaces allow for easy cleaning, and each rack can simply be wheeled out of the way when further refurbishment work needs to be done to the hospital building.
“I have to give Cubro kudos. They came in at the last minute and literally gave me a design that went back and forward a few times until I said, ‘yes I want that’. And then they had it installed within two weeks. We were on such a tight deadline, and they were able to supply which was amazing. It saved me so much stress! I was amazed because everything else we’ve ordered for our building expansion has a three or six month wait for delivery. It was awesome and has made a huge difference on space.”
Before
After
